Scorpions
Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda): Bark scorpions, like all scorpions, are eight legged. Bark scorpions are venomous invertebrate insects – in other words, they are from the same family as spiders, and they are toxic. They are small, light brown scorpions common to the southwestern United States and Baja and Sonora New Mexico. They can reach a length of 2 - 3 inches long with a very thin tail. The stinger is located in the tail. The sting is venomous and can be lethal, especially to small children. The bark scorpion is unusual since it is the only species of scorpion that regularly climbs walls, trees and other objects with a rough climbing surface. It cannot climb smooth plastic or glass. Of the 70 or more species of scorpions that are found in North America the Bark Scorpion is the only one that is considered dangerous to people, with two recorded deaths in the state of Arizona since 1968.

The Arizona Bark Scorpion prefers moist areas that will bring in other insects and prey. Irrigated Tucson lawns and residential areas have caused a population explosion of this species in the desert southwest. Because they can easily climb slump block and stucco walls, this scorpion is often found in and around our homes. Watch out for them in areas that are dark and damp, on the underside of rocks, in woodpiles, and underneath bath mats.

They prefer to hide during the day and hunt at night. Mothers often carry their young on their backs. Their diet consists mainly of crickets and other small nocturnal insects, and they can live from 2-6 years. They are non-aggressive, preferring to run and hide when confronted by something much larger than they.

The sting of a Bark Scorpion can be very painful, producing swelling at the site of the sting, numbness, difficulty breathing, frothing at the mouth, respiratory paralysis, muscle twitching, convulsions, and in extreme cases it may cause loss of use of the affected limb or death. The young and the elderly are at extreme risk from the bite of the Bark Scorpion. For the rest of us, medical attention is still in order. Most deaths are from those who have an allergic reaction, but it is best not to take any chances. The sting victim should stay calm and relaxed and not consume alcohol or other sedatives. Apply pressure and ice packs to the sting site. If possible, capture the scorpion for identification. And once again, seek medical attention. Death is rare because stings are uncommon and antivenin is effective.

To prevent Bark Scorpion stings, do not leave your shoes, boots, clothes or wet towels outside. Shake towels around swimming pools and shake your shoes and clothes before putting them on. This hint will work with most insects, even the dangerous ones like the Brown Recluse spider: simply shake your upside-down shoes before you wear them. And for those that aren’t dangerous, there’s no need to have a squished bug in your shoe all day. Wear gloves and shoes when working outside. A portable black light can be used to check for scorpions in and around your home. Scorpions glow brightly under black light, and can easily be found and removed. Use care when capturing them. The easiest way is to place a glass jar over the scorpion and slide a sheet of heavy construction paper under the jar, then invert the jar and screw on a tight lid. Or carefully pick them up with 12" – 15" tweezers.

Scorpions are difficult to eradicate with insecticides, so you are best off scorpion-proofing your house. Use yellow lights in your outdoor lights, they attract fewer insects and therefore provide less food for the scorpions. Clear the foundation of your home of all trash, logs, boards, stones, etc. Prune overhanging tree branches away from the house, keep your grass and shrubs short and away from your house, don’t store firewood inside the house, and bring in wood only as you are about to throw it on the fire, checking it for scorpions before you bring it into the house. Add weather stripping and caulk around eaves, pipes and cracks. There are many reputable insect control companies in Tucson and throughout the southwestern United States that can do a lot of this work for you, but you must still be on the lookout for that rogue that has snuck past all your preparations. The desert can be a fascinating place to live that agrees with your lifestyle, as long as you learn how to safely live with it – and its other inhabitants.

<< Return to Animal Articles